From: "Draeger, Jim R - WHS" <Jim.Draeger@wisconsinhistory.org> Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:13:40 -0500 Subject: RE: Listserve: Gillett Area Historical Society Siding Restoration Opinions needed Message-ID: <D29660F91C4DA0419B7183EC094C87B4E9BC8FE439@MEWMAD0PC02G05.accounts.wistate.us>
The question that I have is whether you value the house as an historic object. If the answer is no, the solution is whatever makes sense in your short term goals. If the answer is yes, then the house should be curated to the same standard as any other object that you own or collect. You would not probably not consider cutting the sleeves off of a Victorian wedding dress in your collection and replacing them with polyester because it will last longer and be more inexpensive than having a conservator treat the existing fabric. The same should be true of the house if it is an historic home that you wish to interpret as part of your mission as a historical organization. The original fabric of the house should be preserved and retained because that is what defines the largest object that you own as an historic object.
If you consider the vinyl siding as a “30 year fix” it is unlikely that you will ever reverse those changes. Installing vinyl siding will require the removal and destruction of original clapboard, trim and decorative features that are lost forever. Vinyl may be “maintenance free” but it also brings its own problems of hiding moisture damage under that shiny plastic exterior, attracting dirt and being brittle and prone to damage. Wood may always be repaired or replaced in pieces if it is damaged over time. Wood can be maintained. Vinyl can only be replaced if it is damaged, and the entire skin of the house must be replaced.
Jim
Jim Draeger
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
Phone 608 264 6511
Email jim.draeger@wisconsinhistory.org<mailto:jim.draeger@wisconsinhistory.org>
Web Site http://www.wisconsinhistory.org<http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/>
<mailto:jim.draeger@wisconsinhistory.org>
Collecting, Preserving and Sharing Stories Since 1846
________________________________
From: localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu [mailto:localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu] On Behalf Of Gillett Area Historical Society
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 1:58 PM
To: Listserve-Local History
Subject: Listserve: Gillett Area Historical Society Siding Restoration Opinions needed
Listserve Members.
We would value your opinion on our situation!
We are a small historical society in a tiny city in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Gillett Area Historical Society www.gilletthistorical.com<http://www.gilletthistorical.com> has been getting opinions from our members on the restoration/replacement of the siding on our Museum, a Victorian home. It is in very bad shape. In some areas where the 1950s garage was taken off recently there is exposed “unpainted" wood. Until estimates for the job come in, fundraising has been put on hold.
We have received a verbal estimate of between $27,000.00 and $30,000.00 for sanding down to the wood and painting with high quality paint which "will" last for about 20 years. We have references for the work the painter has previous done. We were told this would be about a 2 month process. Before that work begins however, we must have the plastic insulation plugs in the siding replaced with wood and damaged pieces of siding repaired/replaced (of which there are several). We have not received estimates for that as yet.
The other option that is being considered is vinyl siding, leaving the original siding in place and installing insulation board to seal the building and be combined with aluminum to cover the soffit, facia , window trim, etc to exclude the entry of some of the bugs and varmints. The feeling is the vinyl would not have be to be final solution and could be considered a "30" year fix" that would allow long range planning and eventual replacement with original type wood materials if desired.
It is felt because of the urgent nature of the project and the infancy of our organization plus dollars needed for other projects, perhaps a quality restoration may not be the thing to do at this time.
Grants have not been considered as yet as it appears that many require pre-approved contractors, and the general feeling is to have the work done by locally qualified people. In addition , there seems to be a lengthy procedure in processing the grant funding.
Below is a photo of the back of the museum, where a portion of the garage/storage area was attached.
[cid:[cid:image003.jpg@01CB2430.4DC1D590]
Photo of Cashier at Ice July 2010 Ice Cream Social in back of museum. (Hoping for sympathy on the siding!) The front of the museum is not so bad from a distance.
~ [cid:~ [cid:image004.jpg@01CB2430.4DC1D590]
Gillett Area Historical Museum
110 W Main St Hwy 22
PO Box 85
Gillett Wisconsin 54124-0085
Gillett Area Historical Society
A Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Organization
www.gilletthistorical.com<http://www.gilletthistorical.com/>
info@gilletthistorical.com<mailto:info@gilletthistorical.com>
(Nancy R Smith ~ Member)
920 855 2514